Spherocytosis

Below you will find more information about Spherocytosis from Medigest. If you believe that you are suffering from any of the symptoms of Spherocytosis it is important that you obtain an accurate diagnosis from a medical professional to ensure that you obtain the correct medication or treatment for your condition. There are medical conditions that carry similar symptoms associated with Spherocytosis and therefore the information provided by Medigest is offered as a guideline only and should never be used in preference to seeking professional medical advice. The information relating to Spherocytosis comes from a third party source and Medigest will not be held liable for any inaccuracies relating to the information shown.

Definition

Spherocytosis is a hereditary blood disorder wherein red blood cells are sphere-shaped instead of the normal bi-concaved disk shape. These sphere-shaped red blood cells are referred to as spherocytes. The spleen damages the cells because they appear in a different sphere shape. This result in a lack of red blood cells called hemolytic anemia.

Treatment of Spherocytosis depends on the symptoms whether acute or chronic, but there is no definite treatment that can cure the blood disorder itself. Symptomatic treatments include iron dietary supplementation, splenectomy or surgical removal of the spleen, blood transfusion and prophylactic antibiotics.

Symptoms and Signs

Common signs and symptoms of Spherocytosis include jaundice, enlarged spleen, weakness, pale skin, fatigue, pigmented gallstones. Infection or other illness may cause proliferation in red blood cell destruction leading to the presentation of more acute and serious symptoms, referred to as hemolytic crisis in chronic cases of Spherocytosis.

Causes

Spherocytosis is caused by a molecular defect in one or multiple proteins of the red blood cell cytoskeleton. Due to the defect in the cell skeleton, the blood cells shrink assuming the sphere shape instead of the normal donut shape.